Configuration verification, recommendation, and animation method for a disk array in a storage area network (SAN)

ABSTRACT

A system and method for establishing a storage area network (SAN) is described. The method includes providing a predefined template for inputting data associated with a SAN. A first tool may utilize the template to validate an entered SAN configuration based on accessing data in a database. A second tool may utilize the template to generate a valid SAN configuration, based on accessing SAN data in a database, if component data is entered. An animated configuration of a valid SAN is generated based on at least one of the input SAN configuration or the input component data.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of storage area network (SAN) and particularly to a system and method for configuration verification, recommendation, and animation for aiding in establishing a SAN.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Establishment of a SAN may be difficult due to the user's failure to follow set-up guidelines and to read provided literature. While a more sophisticated user having a certain level of knowledge regarding the network may implement his or her own knowledge and successfully establish the network, a less sophisticated user may have to rely on technical support, which increases expenses for the manufacturer, or obtain the services of an experienced technician to assist in establishing the network. Technical support for establishing a SAN is often difficult as support personnel spend an extensive amount of time isolating configuration issues by telephonic communication. SAN configurations often are highly dependent on the end user's needs, thereby requiring proper configuration selection to ensure maximum capability for the overall SAN. These efforts may be exasperated by incorrect information provided by the on-site personnel requiring assistance. Further difficulties include a user selecting additional components which are not certified for the SAN.

Utilization of extensive literature, provided with an array system, is problematic as the documentation may be misinterpreted by the end user. In other instances, the end user will avoid reading the documentation altogether or only read selected sections thus potentially missing key information.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a method and system for configuration verification, recommendation and animation for aiding in establishing a SAN to permit lesser experienced personnel to establish a SAN without the drawbacks previously experienced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a system and method for establishing a SAN.

In a first aspect of the invention, a method for establishing a SAN is described. The method includes providing a predefined template for inputting data associated with a SAN. A first tool may utilize the template to validate an entered SAN configuration based on accessing data in a database. A second tool may utilize the template to generate a valid SAN configuration, based on accessing SAN data in a database, if component data is entered. An animated configuration of a valid SAN is generated based on at least one of the input SAN configurations or the input component data.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a software system for SAN establishment is disclosed. The system includes the following: an electronically readable medium stored on a computer readable memory device and encoded to cause a central processing unit executing the software system for storage area network establishment to effectively generate a template for inputting SAN data; a database of SAN data; a first tool for determining if an input SAN configuration is valid; and a second tool for recommending a valid SAN configuration, if component data is input, such system generates an animated configuration of a valid SAN based on SAN data input to the template.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the general description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The numerous advantages of the present invention may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 100 for SAN establishment;

FIG. 2A is a highly illustrative representation of a graphical user interface (GUI) of a predefined template in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a highly illustrative representation of the GUI template of FIG. 2A including an animated configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2C is an illustration providing additional detail of the SAN data input portion or work area represented in FIG. 2B in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2D is an illustration providing additional detail of the configuration sketch portion represented in FIG. 2B in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, a method 100 for establishing a SAN is discussed. In a preferred embodiment, the method of the present invention may be included as software, firmware, distributed over a network (such as an internet, an intranet, or the Internet), or the like for causing a general purpose computing system to execute the method 100. The method 100 of the present invention may minimize the difficulty for a user to establish a SAN network and assist in establishing a SAN having optimized characteristics for the included components. The method may reduce the likelihood of an improper configuration which requires technical support. The method 100 includes providing 102 a predefined template for inputting data associated with a SAN. Input data may include a user configuration, component information, desired characteristics, and the like information defining SAN components and SAN configuration.

For example, a configuration to be tested is entered for validation or component information to the template in order to obtain a recommended valid configuration. A graphical user interface (GUI) may be implemented to aid in data input, permit efficient parameters changes, allow for reconfiguration, and the like. The predefined template may include a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) selection portion, a user input portion for identifying and storing resultant information, a SAN data input portion, a manipulation selection portion, a data entry portion, and the like. Associated SAN data may include component data, wiring configuration, zoning configuration, host clustering, software parameters, host bus adapters, a RAID configuration, or the like information for establishing a SAN. For example, component data input is utilized to verify component interoperability and suitability for a selected RAID configuration, included in the SAN, prior to obtaining the components. In a further example, a SAN configuration is input to a predefined template to verify the operability of the configuration.

In a first example, a first tool utilizes the predefined template 104 to test an input configuration to determine, if the configuration is valid. In the foregoing manner, the first tool queries a database of SAN data 108 for validation of the entered configuration. For instance, the first tool is selected by picking the build. It is contemplated that a configuration button may be included in the template.

Correspondingly, a second tool may be selected 106 by picking the build a configuration template button from the manipulation selection portion of the predefined template. In this manner, the second tool accesses the database 108 to generate a valid configuration. The SAN database may include component data, wiring configuration, zoning configuration, host clustering, software parameters, a RAID configuration, and the like information associated with SAN establishment.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, a second tool may be selected to utilize the template 106 to generate a verified SAN configuration based on component information input into the provided template. For example, component data including the model number and software configuration (including software update version) of the various components entered in the template are compared with a database query 108. For instance, the “recommend a configuration” button is selected from the manipulation selection portion included in a predefined template. The second tool may then access 108 the database to determine a valid SAN configuration for the input component data. If the component data matches a valid configuration, an animated configuration is generated 114. A step-by-step procedure for establishing the animated SAN may be recommended as well. Printed literature or documentation may be cross-referenced for the step-by-step procedure by interacting with the animated SAN configuration or selecting the functionality. In other instances, even if the configuration is validated, the method may include displaying a recommendation for a specific component, such as if the component acts as a rate limiting factor or bottleneck to some pre-specified degree.

If some or all components fail to match with SAN data in the database an incompatibility warning or highlight is provided. The warning or highlight may identify the component as incompatible with other included components or identify a component which is not included in the database. In further instances, the warning may suggest the user update the database with additional information from a manufacturer maintained database such as by downloading additional information from a manufacturer website or recommend the user obtain a database update. In other instances, component data is parsed to determine if a software update to the incompatible component should be performed such that an existing component may be made operable with a new or improved software revision. If no match is found in the database, a recommendation may be made for a conforming component. For instance, if an incompatible RAID controller is included in the input data the database is accessed to recommend a conforming controller.

In a further embodiment, the method 100 may additionally include recommending an optimized SAN configuration based on entered component information. In the present embodiment, a SAN animation is provided which corresponds to an optimized configuration. The optimized configuration is arranged to make most efficient utilization of the included components corresponding to the entered SAN component data. Thus, if multiple valid configurations are possible, a system conducting the method may test the configurations to determine if one of the configurations offers superior functionality for the overall system. In the previous manner, the capability of the overall system is maximized. Optimization may additionally include recommending replacement of one or more components to achieve greater functional capacity. For instance, if an included switch is a bottleneck, optimization may additionally include providing an indication that greater functionality is achievable with the replacement of a component. Thus, a user may select to replace the switch to achieve a greater throughput (i.e., a geometric increase, an exponential increase, or the like) for the system to some specified level.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a highly illustrative representation of a graphical user interface (GUI) of a predefined template 200 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The system may include an electronically readable medium encoded to cause a central processing unit to generate included various elements. This may include providing encoded electronic information via a network communication link, a download from a remote information handling system, and the like. The software system includes a predefined template 200 configured for inputting data associated with a SAN. Referring to FIG. 2B, a highly illustrative representation of the GUI template of FIG. 2A including an animated configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. As is illustrated in FIG. 2B, SAN data may be entered into a SAN data input portion or work area 220 included in the template. SAN data includes component data, RAID configuration data, and the like parameters associated with a SAN.

Referring to FIG. 2C, an illustration providing additional detail of the SAN data input portion or work area represented in FIG. 2B in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this specific example, additional data for identifying or saving the data is entered into a user input portion 220 for identifying and storing resultant information. For instance, the template 216 includes a manipulation selection portion 218 for permitting selection of the type of manipulation to be performed. Representative selections include recommending a configuration, build a configuration, and the like for interfacing with input data. A desired RAID configuration may be picked from a RAID selection portion 224 included in the template.

A first tool is included in the system for determining if a SAN configuration entered to the template 200 is valid. The first tool is utilized to validate an input configuration, including component data, with the database of SAN data. The first tool accesses the database to determine if the configuration is valid based on known-good configurations, SAN data, and/or component data stored in the database. If incompatible components or other configuration errors exist, a user may select to highlight the incompatible component or provide an indication of the hardware or software which is the source of the error. In other examples, a warning is generated for the non-compatible hardware or software. If no match is found based on entered information, an update display may prompt the user to update the database.

If the input configuration is valid, the first tool generates an animated configuration of the valid configuration to the template 216. Referring to FIG. 2D, an illustration providing additional detail of the configuration sketch portion represented in FIG. 2B in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. As is demonstrated in FIG. 2C, the animated configuration is output to a configuration sketch portion 226 of the template. If the entered configuration is not valid, and the user selects to build a configuration, the system may display a valid configuration and indicate a substitute component, software, or other parameter which has been substituted to replace the faulty portion.

In another instance, if component data is input to the template, a second tool is configured for utilizing the template to recommend a valid SAN from the SAN data included in the database. For example, the second tool queries the database to generate a valid configuration corresponding to the component data input to the template. If a valid configuration cannot be obtained for the entered data, an animated valid configuration may be generated with an indication that an additional component has been substituted to obtain the animated valid configuration.

In a further instance, an optimized animated configuration is generated to make most efficient utilization of the included components corresponding to the entered SAN component data. Thus, if multiple valid configurations are possible, a system conducting the method may test the configurations to determine if one of the configurations offers superior functionality for the overall system. Generating an optimized configuration may be directly selected or automatically generated by the system, if a threshold is met. For example, if the throughput of the system would increase by a given factor if a component were replaced or the components were reconfigured. Additionally, the software system of the present invention may recommend a step-by-step procedure for establishing the animated SAN by providing a list of instructions or by permitting user interaction with the animated configuration.

Although the invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it should be recognized that elements thereof may be altered by persons skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. One of the embodiments of the invention can be implemented as sets of instructions resident in the memory of one or more information handling systems, which may include memory for storing a program of instructions and a processor for performing the program of instruction, wherein the program of instructions configures the processor and information handling system. Until required by the information handling system, the set of instructions may be stored in another readable memory device, for example in a hard disk drive or in a removable medium such as an optical disc.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed is an example of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present invention. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

It is believed that the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes. 

1. A method for storage area network (SAN) establishment, said method comprising: providing a predefined template via a computing system, said predefined template configured for inputting data associated with a SAN, the input data including: a user configuration, component information or desired characteristics defining one or more SAN components or one or more SAN configurations, the providing a predefined template configured for inputting data associated with a SAN further including: implementing a graphical user interface to aid in data input, permit parameters changes and allow for reconfiguration and the predefined template further including: a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) selection portion, a user input portion for identifying and storing resultant information, a SAN data input portion, a manipulation selection portion and a data entry portion; utilizing input component data to verify component interoperability and suitability for a selected RAID configuration included in the SAN prior to obtaining one or more components; utilizing the predefined template by a first tool to obtain a configuration for a SAN, including component data, and when a SAN configuration is input for validation, querying a database of SAN data, via the first tool, for validation of the SAN configuration; selecting a second tool from the manipulation selection portion of the predefined template; utilizing the predefined template by a second tool configured for generating a SAN configuration, and when component data is input to the predefined template, accessing the database via the second tool and comparing the input component data to a database query to generate the SAN configuration; and when the input component data matches a valid SAN configuration, generating an optimized animated configuration of the valid SAN configuration to the predefined template from the accessed database based on at least one of the SAN configuration input for validation or the input component data, the generating an animated configuration of a valid SAN configuration being automatically generated by the system if a throughput of the system would increase by a predetermined factor due to component replacement or component reconfiguration, the generating an animated configuration of a valid SAN configuration further including: outputting the animated configuration to a configuration sketch portion of the predefined template; and when no match is found in the database for an input component included in the input component data, providing an incompatibility warning based on the input component data, said warning identifying the non-matching input component, said warning including a suggestion to a user to update said database with updated information from a manufacturer-maintained database.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising recommending an optimized animated SAN configuration based on input component data, the recommending an optimized animated SAN configuration further including: when multiple valid configurations are available, testing each of the multiple valid configurations to determine relative functionality of the multiple valid configurations; and recommending replacement of one or more components.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein SAN data includes at least one of wiring configuration data, zoning configuration data, host clustering data, host bus adapter data, or software parameter data.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein generating an animated configuration includes recommending a conforming component when no match is found in the database for input component data.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising recommending a step-by-step procedure for establishing the SAN based on the animated configuration.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising cross-referencing printed documentation associated with a step included in the step-by-step procedure by interacting with the animated configuration.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein SAN data includes a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) configuration.
 8. A system for storage area network (SAN) establishment, comprising: a non-transitory electronically readable medium stored on a computer readable memory device and encoded to cause a central processing unit executing the software system for storage area network (SAN) establishment to effectively generate: a template configured for inputting SAN data including SAN component data the template further including: a graphical user interface to aid in data input, permit parameters changes and allow for reconfiguration, a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) selection portion, a user input portion for identifying and storing resultant information, a SAN data input portion, a manipulation selection portion and a data entry portion; a database of SAN data; a first tool configured for utilizing the template to determine if whether an input SAN configuration is valid based upon the database of SAN data, the first tool querying the database of SAN data for validation of the SAN configuration; a second tool configured for utilizing the template to recommended a valid SAN configuration selected from the SAN data included in the database, the second tool selected from the manipulation selection portion of the predefined template, and when component data is input, accessing the database via the second tool and comparing the input component data to a database query to generate the SAN configuration, when no match is found in the database for an input component included in the input component data, providing an incompatibility warning based on the input component data, said warning identifying the non-matching input component, said warning further suggesting a software update for making the non-matching component operable, the second tool further configured to recommend an optimized animated SAN configuration further including: when multiple valid configurations are available, testing each of the multiple valid configurations to determine relative functionality of the multiple valid configurations; and recommending replacement of one or more components; and a configuration sketch portion receiving a generated optimized animated configuration of a valid SAN based on SAN data input to the template, said generating of said optimized animated configuration being automatically performed by the system when component replacement or component reconfiguration allows said system to have a throughput which is greater than a predetermined throughput threshold for the system.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the database contains SAN data including at least one of wiring configuration data, zoning configuration data, host clustering data, host bus adapter data, or software parameter data.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the template recommends a conforming component when no match is found in the database for an input SAN component.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the template recommends a step-by-step procedure for establishing the animated SAN.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein the database contains redundant array of independent disks (RAID) configuration data. 